tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42122803466309542952019-04-24T15:44:46.725+01:00Scilly Organics BlogJonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-24525146100926458062019-04-02T08:20:00.002+01:002019-04-24T15:44:46.699+01:00Assistant grower position<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">PLEASE NOTE APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS JOB </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We're recruiting! From early June to late September we require an Assistant Grower to work on our small farm on the Isles of Scilly. The position is paid and comes with free accommodation.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hObO5BYnqkY/XKMMU0zsdeI/AAAAAAAACyM/cCWmWIAhPGk2sNz2UyEMcVLi-29R-7TJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Lawrences%2Bfields%2Bsmall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hObO5BYnqkY/XKMMU0zsdeI/AAAAAAAACyM/cCWmWIAhPGk2sNz2UyEMcVLi-29R-7TJQCLcBGAs/s320/Lawrences%2Bfields%2Bsmall.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Scilly Organics is an organic market garden growing a range of veg crops for local sales, specialising in salad. We also grow some fruit, herbs and flowers. Growing on approx 5 acres, most of the work is manual. The farm doesn't have any animals, and is vegan organic horticulture by default.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">This position would suit someone who has completed a trainee grower or apprenticeship position, and now wants to step up in terms of responsibility. As Assistant Grower you would be responsible for day to day management including sowing, planting, weeding and harvesting. You would work on your own at times, and together with the head grower at other times. Through the season there will also be a trainee grower for short periods, who you would be managing.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">This is a chance to live and work in an exceptionally beautiful location, whilst learning skills, techniques and an approach to step up to managing or owning an organic growing business.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">For full details, terms and conditions please email Jonathan Smith <a href="mailto:jonathan@scillyorganics.com">jonathan@scillyorganics.com</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Closing date for applications is midnight Sunday 21st April</b>.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-55083365392593909762019-02-28T00:05:00.001+00:002019-02-28T00:05:12.979+00:00Insects<span style="font-size: large;">Recently a very alarming report came out about the state of the world's insects. Over the past decade 41% of insects have disappeared. That's nearly a half! <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/10/plummeting-insect-numbers-threaten-collapse-of-nature">https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/10/plummeting-insect-numbers-threaten-collapse-of-nature</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Think about that for a bit, and its implications. All the myriad of birds, animals and other organisms that are inter-dependent on insects to support food webs. Oh, and humans - no insects means no pollination, which means most of our fruit and vegetables don't exist. Half in ten years! That's heading for rapid extinction in a human generation.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The causes? Principally agricultural practices and climate change. A lot of emphasis in the report was put on the need for widespread sustainable farming practices, especially organic - and that consumers should support this by buying organic produce.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1M6frIX48EQ/XHcY-fWX9fI/AAAAAAAACwg/ZDr6Duh05gc1DwURMzayKwGLHw588ODXwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bees%2Bon%2BPhacelia%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1M6frIX48EQ/XHcY-fWX9fI/AAAAAAAACwg/ZDr6Duh05gc1DwURMzayKwGLHw588ODXwCLcBGAs/s400/Bees%2Bon%2BPhacelia%2B1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumblebee on Phacelia at Scilly Organics</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Here on the farm at St Martin's I'm pleased to say we have high levels of insect activity. A lot of the farm is left for wild flowers, which attract insects throughout the spring, summer and autumn. You even see some activity on mild winter days.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">We also grow lots of green manures, including the wonderful Phacelia, seen above adorned with bees. These crops not only provide a great habitat for insects, they also improve the soil and reduce levels of weeds.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Taking a whole farm approach to improving biodiversity is critical, but it too often focuses on the top down approach - i.e. mammals and birds down. We would do well to reverse that and think of plants and insects first instead. The scary report is a stark reminder of that.</span><br /><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-17344646882262461092019-01-14T23:40:00.000+00:002019-01-14T23:40:19.883+00:00Scilly Organics carbon footprint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHnsBwqHUtM/XD0TPwcBvHI/AAAAAAAACvM/LodTJ9zn8nc_jHGK7TUMDEH8OxwrTh6OwCLcBGAs/s1600/FCCT%2Blogo.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="315" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHnsBwqHUtM/XD0TPwcBvHI/AAAAAAAACvM/LodTJ9zn8nc_jHGK7TUMDEH8OxwrTh6OwCLcBGAs/s1600/FCCT%2Blogo.bmp" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Every year we try to complete a carbon footprint analysis of Scilly Organics, using the <a href="http://farmcarbontoolkit.org.uk/carbon-calculator">Farm Carbon Calculator</a>. Unfortunately we didn't complete it in 2017, but here is the comprehensive analysis from 2018.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The reason for doing it is to understand what is happening in terms of the carbon released during all the activities to produce vegetables, as well as all the carbon being sequestered (stored) in all our soils, trees and hedges. It is a very comprehensive process </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The results are quite stark. In total the business emits just over <b>4 tonnes of CO2 </b>per year, mostly from fuels, capital items (embodied energy in things like steel, concrete and tractors), fertility (nitrous oxide from green manures and compost), and materials (bought in things like timber, steel, plastics of various sorts).</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">To put this in context the average UK per capita carbon footprint is about 12 tonnes of CO2 per year.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXsEzkdNpuI/XD0bFQ5CG7I/AAAAAAAACvY/St0LeDW3vHwdyiHSJztI9AsjcYXlcJjngCLcBGAs/s1600/Carbon%2Bfootprint%2B2018.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1070" height="348" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXsEzkdNpuI/XD0bFQ5CG7I/AAAAAAAACvY/St0LeDW3vHwdyiHSJztI9AsjcYXlcJjngCLcBGAs/s640/Carbon%2Bfootprint%2B2018.bmp" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">The counterbalance to emissions is sequestration - the carbon absorbed in organic matter in soils, and various biomass on the farm. This came out at more than a staggering <b>64 tonnes of CO2</b>, i.e. 16 times what was emitted. In short that is very good news!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Most sequestration is happening in the soil, which is an endorsement of our soil management policy (add lots of organic matter, minimise tillage, cover the ground where possible). Furthermore we have quite an area of woodland and a lot of very productive hedges, all of which are busy sucking in CO2 and storing it in their biomass.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">What this shows is that Scilly Organics is an example of a farm which absorbs far more carbon than it emits, meaning <b>every purchase from us is a positive one in climate terms</b>. Every farm could, and should, be doing something like this from a carbon perspective.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to see the full carbon footprint analysis you can get the detail on our website here <a href="http://www.scillyorganics.com/uploads/2/4/6/3/24630537/carbon_footprint_2018.pdf">http://www.scillyorganics.com/uploads/2/4/6/3/24630537/carbon_footprint_2018.pdf</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-85993004284438711622018-12-28T23:07:00.002+00:002018-12-28T23:07:49.802+00:00Seaweed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQV2G-OmlmE/XCaqFkrpsvI/AAAAAAAACuc/VdDdZQdWWqIrYC1k7aFUO_vCVJXfrJicgCLcBGAs/s1600/Seaweed%2Bon%2BLawrences.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQV2G-OmlmE/XCaqFkrpsvI/AAAAAAAACuc/VdDdZQdWWqIrYC1k7aFUO_vCVJXfrJicgCLcBGAs/s400/Seaweed%2Bon%2BLawrences.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">When we get a storm on the Islands a lot of seaweed tends to get broken off the rocks, and beaches on the windward side end up with piles of seaweed stacked up around the high water mark.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Of course as most of the storms happen in winter and this is when most seaweed comes in, sometimes resulting in a huge amount piled up four or five feet high.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This photo was taken on Lawrences beach at the end of November. It gave us rich pickings for the farm, where we lay out on the fields to improve soil fertility and organic matter levels. Even so it's unlikely we picked up more than 5% of this huge amount of seaweed - there must have been hundreds of tonnes deposited in one day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">People often ask if we compost seaweed first before putting it on the fields. The simple answer is 'no' - for two reasons. Firstly it would be hugely time consuming and difficult to do so.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Secondly there is really no need. If you lay on seaweed in the winter, about 4-6 inches thick, soon the rain will help to break it down so that you are left with a layer about 1-2 inches thick within a couple of months. The rain helps to wash out the salt, and you are left with an excellent layer of organic matter.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We use November and December as the main 'seaweeding months', that way the soil is ready to cultivate in February or March in time for new season crops.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This has been a good year for seaweed, and at time of writing we are very close to finishing all the seaweed we need for 2019.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Given that we need around 50 trailer loads a year, each of around 1.5 tonnes, that's a lot of seaweed to handle. Every single bit of it is loaded and unloaded by hand!</span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-58934200296698556582018-10-31T11:23:00.001+00:002018-10-31T11:23:41.338+00:00Winter veg<span style="font-size: large;">It's the time of the year when our veg stall has a bit of hibernation, and we go down from daily to weekly veg. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4UMjU9DltY/W9mQEVc03aI/AAAAAAAACt0/l0jJPq1aAukbPEgxPC_sphBCDYxlInAngCLcBGAs/s1600/Cauli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4UMjU9DltY/W9mQEVc03aI/AAAAAAAACt0/l0jJPq1aAukbPEgxPC_sphBCDYxlInAngCLcBGAs/s320/Cauli.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">We will stock up at midday every Saturday through the autumn and winter - first come, first served! At various points we will have kale, chard, salad, caulis, broccoli, squash and herbs.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-20171737326143723582018-08-20T23:37:00.000+01:002018-08-20T23:37:35.377+01:00Agroforestry<span style="font-size: large;">Earlier this month I went on a farm visit to Wakelyns Farm in Suffolk, a pioneer in agroforestry and one deeply embedded in research in to alternative agricultural systems. I had been wanting to go here for many years, and suddenly the opportunity came up - so despite being a very long way form Scilly, I didn't hesitate to book on.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_MxCWE2BMw/W3npOkynT4I/AAAAAAAACpk/p7jwOB4CiDEIA6hFtLK-xnjs-Cy1sTU0QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_MxCWE2BMw/W3npOkynT4I/AAAAAAAACpk/p7jwOB4CiDEIA6hFtLK-xnjs-Cy1sTU0QCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0839.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Owned and run by Prof Martin Wolfe, <a href="http://www.eurafagroforestry.eu/afinet/materials/other_videos/ThestoryofWakelynsAgroforestry">Wakelyns</a> has really been <i>the </i>agroforestry farm people associate with in the UK. It spans about 57 acres of what looks like very fertile soil that Suffolk is pretty well known for. However what is somewhat lacking in much of the Suffolk farmed landscape is diversity. This is a photo of the farm right next door to Wakelyns:</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jsc3EAEqSII/W3np8xPaALI/AAAAAAAACps/UG5Rp9693J4ABzveG53iAim1NeFJyAKMACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jsc3EAEqSII/W3np8xPaALI/AAAAAAAACps/UG5Rp9693J4ABzveG53iAim1NeFJyAKMACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suffolk arable landscape</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty good at producing cereals, but biodiversity, soil management, trees, diversity - leaves a lot to be desired. Contrast this with the agroforestry approach, now well bedded in a good 20 to 25 years after establishment:</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWtQfAZ09ks/W3nqX7QkfaI/AAAAAAAACp0/w6eJc4qcKiAlnMp5MXaMyCFBOnQ0biPEACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWtQfAZ09ks/W3nqX7QkfaI/AAAAAAAACp0/w6eJc4qcKiAlnMp5MXaMyCFBOnQ0biPEACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The layout of the hazel alley crops</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here we have a wheat crop, from seed bred and saved by Martin Wolfe, but grown between double rows of hazel 8m apart. The total crop of this area therefore is not just what, but also a substantial crop of hazel (one row is coppiced every 5 years) that can be used for stakes, woodchip, mushroom substrate, etc. It also goes without saying that the biodiversity is much higher in the agroforestry system and soil organic matter levels also higher. All the fertility comes from green manures, which makes up one part of the rotation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What was particularly interesting was that the height of the wheat (and the yield) was even right across the field. I would have expected to see a shallow curve from edge to edge, as the hazel coppice was competing for water and nutrients. This clearly appeared to be not the case! Martin explained that he thinks by ploughing within 1m of the edge of the hazel forced it to root deeper, therefore not really interfering with the crop.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyJajFonydE/W3s-WPDtbHI/AAAAAAAACqk/Pisv9-CinUUBMMBudhsNtdoXcaADhwSYgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyJajFonydE/W3s-WPDtbHI/AAAAAAAACqk/Pisv9-CinUUBMMBudhsNtdoXcaADhwSYgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheat between hazel</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The farm runs three main types of alley crops - hazel on 8m spacings (between rows), mixed species on 15m spacings, and willow on 12m spacings. Each system has quite distinct characteristics and purposes.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The mixed species system was quite attractive and offered the greatest flexibility for other farms. The one pictured below is a mixture of broadleaf trees (oak, ash, hornbeam, Italian alder, willow) and fruit trees (mostly apple and cherry). The broadleaf trees were mostly pollarded and the regrowth looked incredible.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The ground immediately under to the trees (for about a three metre width) was unmanaged and a good mix of wildflowers as well as good invertebrate habitat. </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ci0zdkb41mA/W3s8Cpx3yNI/AAAAAAAACqY/dgu4LfsCL54t20_iQdfe95-1DteqQBMIwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ci0zdkb41mA/W3s8Cpx3yNI/AAAAAAAACqY/dgu4LfsCL54t20_iQdfe95-1DteqQBMIwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_0823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed alley crops</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">The choice of trees for alley crops has much flexibility and is dependent on needs of the system, soil, climate, etc.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I have been thinking about trying to do more agroforestry here at Scilly Organics, but this visit gave me more thought on what could be achieved with some creative thinking. We do effectively have some agroforestry with our small fields with high hedges. Pittosporum and Eunoymous in particular do have other uses as animal feed, firewood and woodchips.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But is there more we could be doing by integrating perennial crops with annual crops? Undoubtedly, yes, and using the existing windbreaks we have could be a big advantage in helping to establish less salt and wind tolerant species. This could be successfully integrated with fruit, vegetables and think even flowers.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym56MIX4XDs/W3s_IbP7z3I/AAAAAAAACqs/yDTl3wJOAdsK1M3rekPn_GeKw1kOk1AlACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym56MIX4XDs/W3s_IbP7z3I/AAAAAAAACqs/yDTl3wJOAdsK1M3rekPn_GeKw1kOk1AlACLcBGAs/s400/DSC_0813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The irony of the entire day pouring with rain after the extended drought that East Anglia have experienced!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Probably the biggest eye opener was the effect on the micro-climate of the farm. Martin explained that in the real heat of July, Wakelyns remained quite green in the midst of a parched landscape. Yields of wheat this year remained at least as good as average, where surrounding farms have suffered substantial yield penalties. The farm actually felt different - calmer, damper, more fertile. Strange one to actually convey but it was quite profound.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It was a shame not to see more vegetable crops on the farm, which up to five years ago was central to the rotation. For various reasons that has changed, but it was still very impressive to see such a great setup that has been studied so much.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFGFZJuxOdw/W3tBVel29hI/AAAAAAAACq4/dfsOV7RLQRctqbJ4V9qU2BpD5v1MuV2CQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFGFZJuxOdw/W3tBVel29hI/AAAAAAAACq4/dfsOV7RLQRctqbJ4V9qU2BpD5v1MuV2CQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_0822.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodchips are a major product of the system</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The biggest message was that diversity over time and space brings stability, synergies and total productivity. This may not be new to those familiar with permaculture, but putting it in to practice in a commercial way is a different challenge. Wakelyns gives a model of various routes to achieving that goal.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Agroforestry will undoubtedly only become more important in British farming policy going forward.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-83778179284128721482018-08-17T21:16:00.000+01:002018-08-17T21:16:28.238+01:00Fruit...indoors<span style="font-size: large;">August is the start of the harvest season that all growers lover. An abundance of produce on the farm is what all the hard work culminates in, and that's a real joy. We've got a good range of veg at the moment, but it's the fruit that really feels like the icing on the cake.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">However it's not perhaps the classic English summer fruits that are in abundance at Scilly Organics at the moment, but some more heat loving crops that are. It's the polytunnels that are the source of sweetness and joy right now with an abundance of grapes and peaches!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfq2tzS0my4/W3cqs_5I4iI/AAAAAAAACpI/QnIpEIYdh54DE4KRC4pRzd5FFjSZmac3wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfq2tzS0my4/W3cqs_5I4iI/AAAAAAAACpI/QnIpEIYdh54DE4KRC4pRzd5FFjSZmac3wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0873.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">There are just two peach trees fruiting, but hundreds of peaches all together. They are very nearly fully ripe with good skin quality. Pests and diseases don't seem to be a problem, the trees savouring the heat of the tunnel but have their roots outside lapping up moisture from the recent rains.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9K0eEb6Ct_U/W3cruOJKO4I/AAAAAAAACpU/-8rj_pGKiBI1nQT1OOpkqH3agRf0du-LACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9K0eEb6Ct_U/W3cruOJKO4I/AAAAAAAACpU/-8rj_pGKiBI1nQT1OOpkqH3agRf0du-LACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0871.JPG" width="212" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile in the other tunnel the grapes are as good as ever, if not better. The heat in June and July certainly hasn't stunted them, if anything increased their growth. We hack back vast amounts of foliage during the growing season! again their roots are well down, outside the confines of the tunnel, pumping out vast quantities of water every day leading to a humid and cooler atmosphere in the tunnel.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">These white grapes are Lakemont and taste delicious. Seedless, sweet and tasty, they are reliably good cropping, free of disease and the only pests are...blackbirds and thrushes. Entirely understandable that they want to gorge themselves on grapes! Our netting seems to be keeping most of them at bay...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-3479424324483326022018-07-09T00:45:00.000+01:002018-07-09T00:48:44.587+01:00Summer heat<span style="font-size: large;">This summer weather has been fantastic for tourism. Blue skies, hot sun, beaches well used and lots of swimming. Not to mention some truly fantastic sunsets...</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzz3Snq_CfM/W0KgiA49kdI/AAAAAAAACoc/74cDZw9W26ktqMhRZLD1lb58XvBeLRYuACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzz3Snq_CfM/W0KgiA49kdI/AAAAAAAACoc/74cDZw9W26ktqMhRZLD1lb58XvBeLRYuACLcBGAs/s400/DSC_0341.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The flip side however is that for farmers and growers trying to grow crops and/or raise livestock, this extended hot spell has been very difficult. I don't remember a time when the heat continued for so long, nor an extended period without rain. We have had next to no rain for at least 2 months, and very little over 3 months.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">This has made growing crops like salad very challenging, and required many sessions of evening watering using a very unsophisticated system. Normally we plant out, water, then water again 3 days later...and that's it for the whole growing life of the crop.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This year it's been plant out, then water every 2-3 days or so for at least 2 weeks, and then give every leafy plant (yes, every one) some water at least once a week, but usually twice.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As you can imagine this is a big demand on our time and requires several late sessions, but there's not really much choice if we want to keep the crops alive!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So there we go, two tales of summer heat - one from the tourist and one from the grower. Any compromise possible to keep everyone happy? Perhaps half an inch of rain overnight followed by some sun...?!</span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-36285485583094179312018-05-21T00:13:00.001+01:002018-05-21T00:13:49.480+01:00Veg stall<span style="font-size: large;">Our veg stall at the top of Middle Town hill is now being stocked up three times a week - Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at midday. It's full of fresh new crops, including our well known salad leaves mix, beautiful earthy new potatoes, cracking kale and chard, and succulent New Zealand spinach.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Soon we'll be moving on to stocking up every day, and offering more crops as they come on.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-PKvkZotPI/WwIBGfgcvbI/AAAAAAAACnQ/9oxqZNmKTP4Eq6uvAIJwOrbV9M-xN8hewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-PKvkZotPI/WwIBGfgcvbI/AAAAAAAACnQ/9oxqZNmKTP4Eq6uvAIJwOrbV9M-xN8hewCLcBGAs/s320/IMG-0320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-47290475157640281842018-04-09T00:24:00.001+01:002018-04-09T00:24:59.112+01:00Spring gets underway properly<span style="font-size: large;">The shift in weather patterns has led to spring looking like it's here to stay! You cam always tell when the shift has happened because wild spring flowers come out properly, like these lovely celandines.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFEteo_VQ7s/Wsqj3_73bOI/AAAAAAAAClw/uyzKYVa-lQk-UFLEXt-xJPhrf59RdCtLACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFEteo_VQ7s/Wsqj3_73bOI/AAAAAAAAClw/uyzKYVa-lQk-UFLEXt-xJPhrf59RdCtLACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1683.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">...and this blackthorn</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dt5fanpRG_M/WsqkA3emFmI/AAAAAAAACl4/wISKRWpvrP0L76FgLYbJFj5XpBZzzUZkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dt5fanpRG_M/WsqkA3emFmI/AAAAAAAACl4/wISKRWpvrP0L76FgLYbJFj5XpBZzzUZkgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile in the glasshouse the seedlings are responding to increased light levels and warmth. Not long until these are ready to plant out. Better late than never!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPTmQPsu6OQ/WsqkqXnPM3I/AAAAAAAACmE/gXjd-O1m2ZoBA7_jN0MCa0ajssQtC0xUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPTmQPsu6OQ/WsqkqXnPM3I/AAAAAAAACmE/gXjd-O1m2ZoBA7_jN0MCa0ajssQtC0xUgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWvMki6Nb8I/WsqkqC-MLlI/AAAAAAAACmA/eAhgXTPvQm82m6ITSvASaQHDZ4FqaV9nQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWvMki6Nb8I/WsqkqC-MLlI/AAAAAAAACmA/eAhgXTPvQm82m6ITSvASaQHDZ4FqaV9nQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1688.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-dueRWeCbI/Wsqkqf22PhI/AAAAAAAACmI/BAObe7A98_Qhgok_2xmM5zC_wggYhq2-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-dueRWeCbI/Wsqkqf22PhI/AAAAAAAACmI/BAObe7A98_Qhgok_2xmM5zC_wggYhq2-QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-44260561235804460182018-03-23T01:57:00.002+00:002018-04-09T00:12:27.601+01:00Assistant grower summer 2018<div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }a:link { }</style> </span><br /><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0.42cm; page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;">Applications for this post have now closed&nbsp;</span></span></b></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Assistant grower wanted for organic market garden in summer 2018</b></span></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scilly Organics is a small organic market garden on the Isles of Scilly, growing a range of vegetables, herbs and fruit that is sold locally, and we specialise in mixed salads. The business has been running since 2003 and has always been certified organic. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%;"><br /><br /></div><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is an opportunity to gain direct experience of growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables, herbs and salads on the beautiful island of St Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly. You will gain both growing and business experience, and be given considerable responsibility. This is an ideal post for a grower with experience who wants to take a step up to management or starting their own business.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%;"><br /><br /></div><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are looking to take on an assistant grower for two to four months from June 2018, working with us in our small team. We are looking for someone who has:</span></span></div><ul><li><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At least six months’ experience of growing organic vegetables commercially </span></span> </div></li><li><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is highly motivated </span></span> </div></li><li><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can take responsibility for day to day operations</span></span></div></li><li><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is keen to learn new skills and approaches</span></span></div></li><li><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A </span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">driving licence and some tractor driving experience</span></span></div></li></ul><div style="line-height: 100%;"><br /><br /></div><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">Working hours are </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">4 ½ days </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">per week, accommodation is provided, </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">and </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">free vegetables </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">are available</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">from the farm. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">Work contract length is negotiable depending on your availability and commitments. We are offering this post at a late stage in the season due to a previously arranged assistant grower having change their plans at short notice.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%;"><br /><br /></div><div style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To apply for the position please send a CV, and a covering letter to include description of relevant experience, your motivation for applying and anything else relevant.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%;"><br /><br /></div><div align="left" style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Applications, and enquiries for more detailed information, should be emailed to Jonathan Smith <a href="mailto:jonathan@scillyorganics.com">jonathan@scillyorganics.com</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deadline for application is <b>midnight on 8</b></span></span><b><sup><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">April 2018.</span></span></b></div><div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;liberation&quot; serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;">The role is paid; please contact me for details and for full terms and conditions, as well as any questions you might have.</span></span></span></div><br /><br /></div><div style="display: block; font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/374648219/Assistant-Grower-for-Scilly-Organics#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Assistant Grower for Scilly Organics on Scribd">Assistant Grower for Scilly Organics</a> on Scribd</div><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7068965517241379" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="null" id="doc_70665" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/374648219/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-X7X3WTdbUlbEhk6zTq8N&amp;show_recommendations=true" title="Assistant Grower for Scilly Organics" width="null"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-37234913737440897322018-03-18T21:45:00.002+00:002018-03-18T21:45:54.674+00:00It snowed - again!<span style="font-size: large;">Snow on Scilly is a rare event. The last I can remember before this year was 2009. But now it's snowed twice within three weeks! Apparently an old boy in his 80's, who's lived here all his life, has said he can never remember two lots of snow in one winter. Climate change?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, for the sheer joy of Scilly in the snow here are some photos from this morning of snow and sunshine. By this afternoon it had nearly all gone...</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxNotOss1-c/Wq7dGg_kCbI/AAAAAAAACj8/lVmJnaVs69IO0_35TSHqdDPBZkEorGyJwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxNotOss1-c/Wq7dGg_kCbI/AAAAAAAACj8/lVmJnaVs69IO0_35TSHqdDPBZkEorGyJwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow on caulis isn't a common problem we have selling on the veg stall!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZukttu2um8/Wq7dGeeEsbI/AAAAAAAACj4/0U5xborS1FAMbk8oh6Xk7fuqIxp1QDaQgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZukttu2um8/Wq7dGeeEsbI/AAAAAAAACj4/0U5xborS1FAMbk8oh6Xk7fuqIxp1QDaQgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Settling on elm trees, which should be ready to burst in to leaf in a week or two...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fTSAIfOmFI/Wq7dGEqG8xI/AAAAAAAACj0/sQWOU47a5Hc_45BPLIASWKLJf1w4rg2-gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fTSAIfOmFI/Wq7dGEqG8xI/AAAAAAAACj0/sQWOU47a5Hc_45BPLIASWKLJf1w4rg2-gCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0706.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track along Lawrences</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpEz3MvW9n0/Wq7dHGLLvPI/AAAAAAAACkA/QGWoGPQIXd4uaWuC3ZF1dMSMX3F5Zw01wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpEz3MvW9n0/Wq7dHGLLvPI/AAAAAAAACkA/QGWoGPQIXd4uaWuC3ZF1dMSMX3F5Zw01wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawrences beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jU6MylsiGCY/Wq7dIZOP-kI/AAAAAAAACkQ/rBvQ97Tt6LwaaL33Jes49DFW0Q4vRtPVACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jU6MylsiGCY/Wq7dIZOP-kI/AAAAAAAACkQ/rBvQ97Tt6LwaaL33Jes49DFW0Q4vRtPVACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0743.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Snowman in front of the tunnel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkSJ9n_kH-E/Wq7dIApL94I/AAAAAAAACkM/0MSK5nX3rqkj2SoZGE6CF-TNCKAEKMSjQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkSJ9n_kH-E/Wq7dIApL94I/AAAAAAAACkM/0MSK5nX3rqkj2SoZGE6CF-TNCKAEKMSjQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0738.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The strange effect of snow slipping off a polytunnel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj7-CGoQei4/Wq7dHue8bNI/AAAAAAAACkI/rczxM6T2830_oDAl3hXEqf-Z3iWiIxLxQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj7-CGoQei4/Wq7dHue8bNI/AAAAAAAACkI/rczxM6T2830_oDAl3hXEqf-Z3iWiIxLxQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A downside of having guttering on tunnels - that took a lot of work getting the snow out!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEeb8OeKWsY/Wq7dHV0T9ZI/AAAAAAAACkE/Iw8_1qEFCqEvjylJkVr5lqzP7I99T5J4wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEeb8OeKWsY/Wq7dHV0T9ZI/AAAAAAAACkE/Iw8_1qEFCqEvjylJkVr5lqzP7I99T5J4wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0711.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fields at Lawrences looking pretty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx3hdiE-Fos/Wq7dIjLW_eI/AAAAAAAACkU/LgM-iJukXog-AcgmRbTbV65RiD9fw8wiQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx3hdiE-Fos/Wq7dIjLW_eI/AAAAAAAACkU/LgM-iJukXog-AcgmRbTbV65RiD9fw8wiQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not there are spuds under there. Fortunately none have shot up above ground level yet...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1m22rqZcDBs/Wq7dJFAacNI/AAAAAAAACkY/5NQYRksDjBs1m1Rnq_0q6ScdwOVExvjVgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1m22rqZcDBs/Wq7dJFAacNI/AAAAAAAACkY/5NQYRksDjBs1m1Rnq_0q6ScdwOVExvjVgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above Great Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-77640181238401878262018-02-19T20:48:00.001+00:002018-02-19T20:48:35.688+00:00The growing season has kicked off<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTEbSLB4CvY/Wos4JKAZktI/AAAAAAAACi8/_xZO6PoFMx4d78ntKTU-74WAsxycmcq3wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0441-715691.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTEbSLB4CvY/Wos4JKAZktI/AAAAAAAACi8/_xZO6PoFMx4d78ntKTU-74WAsxycmcq3wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/DSC_0441-715691.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6524370215132304082" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hY-bV_FXJ0I/Wos4JabHqMI/AAAAAAAACjE/5EmJyEB4RNYX_SdlyICohPEE4CRTtUugQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Seedlings-716658.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hY-bV_FXJ0I/Wos4JabHqMI/AAAAAAAACjE/5EmJyEB4RNYX_SdlyICohPEE4CRTtUugQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Seedlings-716658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6524370219539343554" /></a></p>Mid February marks the proper start of the growing season for us. The
<br>winter jobs are coming to an end and plant growth is starting to pick up.
<br>
<br>Today I cultivated in some seaweed ready for early spud planting later
<br>this week. In the glasshouse we&#39;ve been sowing seeds for a month and now
<br>have some nice little plants coming on. The first salads will go in to
<br>the polytunnel, planting out next month for cropping in April. The next
<br>lot will be planted outdoors for harvest in May.
<br>
<br>Today felt like the first day of spring, it was so warm and quiet. There
<br>will be some wintry weather to come yet for sure, but it&#160; certainly felt
<br>like a turning point.Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-81641843065777125392018-01-24T23:44:00.002+00:002018-01-24T23:44:25.474+00:00In praise of Pittosporum<span style="font-size: large;">A good proportion of our hedges on Scilly are <i>Pittosporum angustifolia</i>, which are very hardy evergreens originally from New Zealand. They are drought tolerant, salt resistant, and withstand high winds - all characteristics which make them flourish on Scilly.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The hedges are equally as good at 6ft high as they are at 20ft plus, like this one on the farm. They can be cut annually or left for 3 or 4 years before a cut again.&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcjAW_K6NaI/WmkWDFGwgnI/AAAAAAAACh8/P1A8twD-VQgm9HTdQY8YlBrdF7HcSLOGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcjAW_K6NaI/WmkWDFGwgnI/AAAAAAAACh8/P1A8twD-VQgm9HTdQY8YlBrdF7HcSLOGwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1548.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">The flowers appear early in the year, from now until April; generally they are a lovely deep red but occasionally white. On a mild and still spring evening the scent is deep, heady and quite intoxicating!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTgDGYXXnEg/WmkXQFUxkWI/AAAAAAAACiI/BKL6bBe7ZUYXypdlgTcGGsPFKbkbdmezACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTgDGYXXnEg/WmkXQFUxkWI/AAAAAAAACiI/BKL6bBe7ZUYXypdlgTcGGsPFKbkbdmezACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1547.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2LEIwsg9GU/WmkXVL-PUeI/AAAAAAAACiM/xlCS_jlcZdUUssTQV2v9RdRfqFvb0xQ8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2LEIwsg9GU/WmkXVL-PUeI/AAAAAAAACiM/xlCS_jlcZdUUssTQV2v9RdRfqFvb0xQ8QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1545.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">They go on to produce seemingly thousands of seed pods per plant, opening up from summer through to winter. This results in often a proliferation of young plants below the hedges. These are quite easy to dig up and transplant to a new site if you want a new or replacement hedge.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9k0roI-P8oE/WmkXw-BESKI/AAAAAAAACiU/uwlUs24JTCoeqdg_qdcANUZnHxZPi4ZzwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9k0roI-P8oE/WmkXw-BESKI/AAAAAAAACiU/uwlUs24JTCoeqdg_qdcANUZnHxZPi4ZzwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The cuttings can be used for animal feed, or can be processed through a woodchipper to make good woodchips. Lastly, bigger pieces make very good firewood which burns very hot due to the high sap content.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Without these amazing plants we'd certainly find growing quite a challenge down here!</span><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-24365620741327051342017-11-25T20:14:00.001+00:002017-11-25T20:15:26.526+00:00Impacts of running an office<span style="font-size: large;">We think using recycled office materials is really important, due to the impact that paper production has on ecosystems. A huge amount of paper is produced from unsustainable forestry, and many nasty chemicals used in its production.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">As a result we only use 100% recycled paper for printing and to make labels. Here is our latest delivery from the wonderful people at <a href="http://greenstat.co.uk/storefront/home">Green Stationery Company</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irlC1P3oBH0/WhnNq_cwzbI/AAAAAAAACYo/qot2oPkUhPkt0WBg0fgbGPJNd5bzeRMTACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irlC1P3oBH0/WhnNq_cwzbI/AAAAAAAACYo/qot2oPkUhPkt0WBg0fgbGPJNd5bzeRMTACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1336.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">We even use pencils from FSC forestry and recycled plastic pens! All these things do matter.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The other major resource use in the office is the use of energy. As our office is at home it is heated by a combination of our wood burner, solar hot water and electricity from our solar panels.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlvogHfuIC0/WhnO_UD9NRI/AAAAAAAACY0/m78_gmnFFxgyjrwZeKKHStT9SQrwd0L2QCLcBGAs/s1600/Good%2Benergy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="196" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlvogHfuIC0/WhnO_UD9NRI/AAAAAAAACY0/m78_gmnFFxgyjrwZeKKHStT9SQrwd0L2QCLcBGAs/s1600/Good%2Benergy.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">But when the sun's not shining we buy electricity from <a href="https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/">Good Energy</a> who supply a 100% renewable energy tariff...so the climate impact of our electricity demand is negligible.</span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-89854875750390620562017-11-08T00:59:00.002+00:002017-11-08T00:59:26.183+00:00Winter veg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egKuLiGMi84/WgJW0vTROdI/AAAAAAAACYY/cMw_eOFvu_Yzn273MdGAJWEHbI1rl0MiACLcBGAs/s1600/Winter%2Bveg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="793" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egKuLiGMi84/WgJW0vTROdI/AAAAAAAACYY/cMw_eOFvu_Yzn273MdGAJWEHbI1rl0MiACLcBGAs/s640/Winter%2Bveg.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-79321346938711406762017-09-27T14:30:00.000+01:002017-09-27T14:59:39.086+01:00Lawrences bay<span style="font-size: large;">Lawrences is where we grow all of our veg, have the polytunnels and glasshouse and where our yurt is. This is what it looks like from the air!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">You can see we have 18 fields, some bigger than others, nearly all bordered by hedges. We cut one third of the hedges each year by hand - that's a lot of cutting! Nearly all the cuttings go through the woodchipper to be used for compost toilets, laying on paths, or composted.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1vEczkusw0/WcuXTpRtdOI/AAAAAAAACYA/2xzaluzqDzwLarLWPrefG0Ut7CDms8ocwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1vEczkusw0/WcuXTpRtdOI/AAAAAAAACYA/2xzaluzqDzwLarLWPrefG0Ut7CDms8ocwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0697.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">You can see on the left hand side there is a lot of white on the fields; this is mesh over the salad to keep pests off.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">On the bottom right of the bay is where the seaweed tends to collect. In the winter we go down with tractor and trailer and haul it on to the fields. This provides fantastic fertiliser!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The proximity of the beach can give us problems in the winter, when masses of sand can blow up over the dunes and in to the fields.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But all in all it's a lovely spot and the views are fantastic....</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DIu9uh46vQ/WcuX_8d6O4I/AAAAAAAACYI/V_SZo3_CNGUylY5ps_kU4RppdEdtW0IiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Low%2Btide%2B11th%2BOct.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DIu9uh46vQ/WcuX_8d6O4I/AAAAAAAACYI/V_SZo3_CNGUylY5ps_kU4RppdEdtW0IiQCLcBGAs/s320/Low%2Btide%2B11th%2BOct.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-37319157555727547612017-08-24T22:57:00.000+01:002017-08-24T22:57:31.832+01:00Fruit<span style="font-size: large;">We've had a nice selection of fruit recently: peaches from the polytunnel - absolutely delicious (alas now sold out); grapes, also from the tunnel, still going strong and getting even sweeter; and some apples from the orchard.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpGTSNCJ4aU/WZ9J7ILYCZI/AAAAAAAACXg/La3yIMM0we0VRbDUeUM2VTcFB3k18p0ygCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpGTSNCJ4aU/WZ9J7ILYCZI/AAAAAAAACXg/La3yIMM0we0VRbDUeUM2VTcFB3k18p0ygCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0433.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4FzOQ1oi3c/WZ9J7HMZItI/AAAAAAAACXc/CKuuEfJz1d8ThwHOF_ANKWhbAqRBmbmQwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4FzOQ1oi3c/WZ9J7HMZItI/AAAAAAAACXc/CKuuEfJz1d8ThwHOF_ANKWhbAqRBmbmQwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0438.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Devonshire Quarrenden and Scilly Pearl</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">The first early eaters are Devonshire Quarrenden (red) and Scilly Pearl (green/yellow). Both are sweet, juicy and tasty but, as with most earlies, they don't keep for long.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Scilly Pearl is a particularly special variety, thought to be the only one bred on Scilly. It has declined in numbers over the years, but we're doing our bit to bring it back. They're definitely worth having and a real pleasure to eat.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Just to complete the strange season, we've noticed several parasol mushrooms coming up recently, thanks to the wet August. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjssMjdXXrY/WZ9LcyGnpCI/AAAAAAAACXs/gBpPeWqx7w4YLmDhSKC46bzvfNiixW0_QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjssMjdXXrY/WZ9LcyGnpCI/AAAAAAAACXs/gBpPeWqx7w4YLmDhSKC46bzvfNiixW0_QCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0458.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-83055759766208004292017-08-14T01:47:00.001+01:002017-08-14T01:48:21.183+01:00August, the transition month<span style="font-size: large;">Predictably, as school holidays are upon us, August has been very changeable and at times pretty wet. More rain is forecast tomorrow! This is generally quite good for veg growing, but not so much for tourism, or for that matter fruit production.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FV7rbgRzjQk/WZDxkMSlBYI/AAAAAAAACWg/9y636a4rXl0XwaX3RtPflulNJ_gMF1UZgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FV7rbgRzjQk/WZDxkMSlBYI/AAAAAAAACWg/9y636a4rXl0XwaX3RtPflulNJ_gMF1UZgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0376.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Salad still growing well</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy13m2N6tY4/WZDxpbj10sI/AAAAAAAACWk/-XwCrktMm9cX3wuSMLEpjM86-8VRqlMAQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy13m2N6tY4/WZDxpbj10sI/AAAAAAAACWk/-XwCrktMm9cX3wuSMLEpjM86-8VRqlMAQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0389.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Onions - yes they were planted very late! But looking nice</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The blackberries are noticeably late this year, probably a good two weeks, because we've really had very little sun for the past two to three weeks. In fact the last warm, dry and sunny spell was about six weeks ago, after which low pressures have been in charge and driven cooler and wetter weather. Perhaps we're in for a fine autumn?</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5RGUEEAKxM/WZDx0Ghtj8I/AAAAAAAACWo/hwvmxPpJuDo4dygyOdr1fFMYi74uy58YwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5RGUEEAKxM/WZDx0Ghtj8I/AAAAAAAACWo/hwvmxPpJuDo4dygyOdr1fFMYi74uy58YwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0423.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The wonderful Devonshire Quarrenden, our earliest apple</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VnsMvHlp6pE/WZDx0rmDD2I/AAAAAAAACWs/2qau8FZk-UcJ2_rAPCYjk59dAPmag0bVwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VnsMvHlp6pE/WZDx0rmDD2I/AAAAAAAACWs/2qau8FZk-UcJ2_rAPCYjk59dAPmag0bVwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0424.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The orchard is looking good, the fruit just needing a bit more sun to ripen up</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Despite the unusual timings of this season, there's no disguising that August marks the transition from summer to autumn. Fruits start to ripen, leafy growth slows down, flowers turn to seed, the light softens and the air clears.&nbsp; The starlings start their autumnal chattering and swallows start to sit on wires, perhaps resting before their long journey south. It's one of my favourite times of the season.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz--_gsxslc/WZDyDQBnvjI/AAAAAAAACWw/bY0Q6DQuW-gIst0JWpzGciWMwzzVuJE8ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz--_gsxslc/WZDyDQBnvjI/AAAAAAAACWw/bY0Q6DQuW-gIst0JWpzGciWMwzzVuJE8ACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0381.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Strawberries planted in May, growing like stink. Should be a good crop next summer!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FinNeUBbwPo/WZDyDfa7AWI/AAAAAAAACW0/o97xmEIKnmQgKvDfKPoB8Jj773I3qtkgwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FinNeUBbwPo/WZDyDfa7AWI/AAAAAAAACW0/o97xmEIKnmQgKvDfKPoB8Jj773I3qtkgwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0382.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The last of the evening primrose flowers</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrzgsQm0Pq0/WZDyDly42bI/AAAAAAAACW4/blwv8w4OS1seg2hgYicwfAqzn0EXf5tTwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrzgsQm0Pq0/WZDyDly42bI/AAAAAAAACW4/blwv8w4OS1seg2hgYicwfAqzn0EXf5tTwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0385.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Squash coming on well, a winter favourite</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm9mSV0B_XI/WZDyFs8OkFI/AAAAAAAACW8/rprGYMmv0g8nP6q1Wu0HfsHFUUM4MVIfgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm9mSV0B_XI/WZDyFs8OkFI/AAAAAAAACW8/rprGYMmv0g8nP6q1Wu0HfsHFUUM4MVIfgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Autumn calabrese getting away nicely</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaIqQYB5yuM/WZDyFwPB_UI/AAAAAAAACXA/XtChg1pJvjgopP3dUbP24Bn69pSAPZwOQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaIqQYB5yuM/WZDyFwPB_UI/AAAAAAAACXA/XtChg1pJvjgopP3dUbP24Bn69pSAPZwOQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0390.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cucumbers in full production</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5i7h8njezls/WZDyGEzIkpI/AAAAAAAACXE/tMsVp97whDMAbIkggxSkj6QpIqOWYAt4QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5i7h8njezls/WZDyGEzIkpI/AAAAAAAACXE/tMsVp97whDMAbIkggxSkj6QpIqOWYAt4QCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0391.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grapes in the tunnel, a real favourite</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQWCOxK4XM8/WZDyG3BLYoI/AAAAAAAACXI/EmUZTKten7AsGd5FfDutFg3Tnrs9J4FFACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQWCOxK4XM8/WZDyG3BLYoI/AAAAAAAACXI/EmUZTKten7AsGd5FfDutFg3Tnrs9J4FFACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0392.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cherry tomato</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">On the farm there starts to be the biggest diversity of crops that you get in the whole year, and really is a pleasure to harvest...and of course eat!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvIA9pfxL8U/WZDyHcUDECI/AAAAAAAACXM/oTCXq_fhgUkhTKPGGsvm0fiM1qy_AroyQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvIA9pfxL8U/WZDyHcUDECI/AAAAAAAACXM/oTCXq_fhgUkhTKPGGsvm0fiM1qy_AroyQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0394.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peaches growing in the polytunnel - delicious!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-42306387359103392342017-05-10T23:44:00.001+01:002017-05-10T23:50:25.732+01:00Salad - it's what we do best<span style="font-size: large;">Picking salad on Monday morning at 7.00, on a beautifully calm sunny morning reminded me of why I love growing at this spot so much. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The resulting salad mix is exceptionally good and really enjoyed by our customers. A very satisfying job!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqXtriJSVOs/WROZJOfkaXI/AAAAAAAACV8/AWlL7kktVAcuo13SqrcsUFi4RDJ4mIsfwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqXtriJSVOs/WROZJOfkaXI/AAAAAAAACV8/AWlL7kktVAcuo13SqrcsUFi4RDJ4mIsfwCLcB/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUQLvKAZmBM/WROZJaxH1sI/AAAAAAAACWA/nH0xNwKrbyIRZWBN2UtF6O8TODjlYd-5gCLcB/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUQLvKAZmBM/WROZJaxH1sI/AAAAAAAACWA/nH0xNwKrbyIRZWBN2UtF6O8TODjlYd-5gCLcB/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-70707104379985827682017-04-27T00:27:00.000+01:002017-04-27T00:28:23.524+01:00Beautiful April<span style="font-size: large;">April has been a very dry and sunny month, which is great for tourism and not so good for growing. The two are rarely compatible, so it's a good job we farm both vegetables and tourists!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But let's not focus on the negatives - here's a selection of photos from St Martin's on a walk last Sunday. The gorse is particularly spectacular at the moment.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cx6_TQ64_Fs/WQEspOp0AhI/AAAAAAAACTg/qShysHk_DS420PZ8YlMDpMmQ-pSsx7PkQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cx6_TQ64_Fs/WQEspOp0AhI/AAAAAAAACTg/qShysHk_DS420PZ8YlMDpMmQ-pSsx7PkQCLcB/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcs2Z7EkZYM/WQEspFhJO4I/AAAAAAAACTk/sJEsZA0P2QM0a2TgR4-6iqqNQ0a9_1bHQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcs2Z7EkZYM/WQEspFhJO4I/AAAAAAAACTk/sJEsZA0P2QM0a2TgR4-6iqqNQ0a9_1bHQCLcB/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUJzr88c8RQ/WQEso0hhdQI/AAAAAAAACTc/C-mM2Zm_X2YzKrrwqLgBSlkuy2_YVV6YwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUJzr88c8RQ/WQEso0hhdQI/AAAAAAAACTc/C-mM2Zm_X2YzKrrwqLgBSlkuy2_YVV6YwCLcB/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHpbVMhsOIw/WQEspzoCb3I/AAAAAAAACTo/0jPS6qXOztwPzcQIoIQq7LD1KuJ0PENMACLcB/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHpbVMhsOIw/WQEspzoCb3I/AAAAAAAACTo/0jPS6qXOztwPzcQIoIQq7LD1KuJ0PENMACLcB/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZNcjqHLTAM/WQEspwz4wMI/AAAAAAAACTs/lWzx7lfHujIpsO9lQjTE19PAUELckWAhgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZNcjqHLTAM/WQEspwz4wMI/AAAAAAAACTs/lWzx7lfHujIpsO9lQjTE19PAUELckWAhgCLcB/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCtfLwSBPxI/WQEsqKL_ymI/AAAAAAAACTw/NA4dumHACxIs4jwmJGULqihFLiq6Qao3gCLcB/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCtfLwSBPxI/WQEsqKL_ymI/AAAAAAAACTw/NA4dumHACxIs4jwmJGULqihFLiq6Qao3gCLcB/s320/DSC_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFIqwuGP89k/WQEsqjpNLaI/AAAAAAAACT0/fLEMad1tCKEea5crctJE0oa4ki0XT05yQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFIqwuGP89k/WQEsqjpNLaI/AAAAAAAACT0/fLEMad1tCKEea5crctJE0oa4ki0XT05yQCLcB/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbqVZCABLrQ/WQEsq4baSCI/AAAAAAAACT4/95lG_s_OaQMEO_5gyJLdZEgjfD8sNPhxACLcB/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbqVZCABLrQ/WQEsq4baSCI/AAAAAAAACT4/95lG_s_OaQMEO_5gyJLdZEgjfD8sNPhxACLcB/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-89180347625343302732017-04-06T23:53:00.001+01:002017-04-06T23:58:39.696+01:00Recent photos<span style="font-size: large;">The warmer and drier weather this week has lifted everyone's spirits and allowed us to get on with jobs on the farm. Today the first salad has been planted outdoors (after the early ones in the polytunnel), ready for a big harvest of salad this year...hopefully.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The soil is in really good condition, having had a nice dressing of seaweed back in November. But the weeds are growing fast too, so there's no time for slouching around!</span><br /><br /><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlqQxmAtrQM/WObG_-K0sqI/AAAAAAAACSs/uEplfDE6sVsLEH6EYp7pTk6IFV4NDUzNgCK4B/s1600/DSC_0594-730600.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6406026322303562402" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlqQxmAtrQM/WObG_-K0sqI/AAAAAAAACSs/uEplfDE6sVsLEH6EYp7pTk6IFV4NDUzNgCK4B/s320/DSC_0594-730600.JPG" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Unxl7UYwQos/WObHAH_mI4I/AAAAAAAACS0/U1RaymFx3UoO8P5nzcFlpphOeCXixUA5QCK4B/s1600/DSC_0595-732028.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6406026324940825474" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Unxl7UYwQos/WObHAH_mI4I/AAAAAAAACS0/U1RaymFx3UoO8P5nzcFlpphOeCXixUA5QCK4B/s320/DSC_0595-732028.JPG" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ceHLPjlK6k/WObHAqrKeEI/AAAAAAAACS8/IO5gEZAkK78yNREfBT8gHQgFQ78BSNDEgCK4B/s1600/DSC_0428-733463.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6406026334250367042" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ceHLPjlK6k/WObHAqrKeEI/AAAAAAAACS8/IO5gEZAkK78yNREfBT8gHQgFQ78BSNDEgCK4B/s320/DSC_0428-733463.JPG" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y8SHy1mcSU/WObHA5VSV7I/AAAAAAAACTE/3hz9kEOSUA4reYC8-IlPBJ2yOiTciiNHwCK4B/s1600/DSC_0441-734756.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6406026338185140146" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y8SHy1mcSU/WObHA5VSV7I/AAAAAAAACTE/3hz9kEOSUA4reYC8-IlPBJ2yOiTciiNHwCK4B/s320/DSC_0441-734756.JPG" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQwmN6Fbb_I/WObHBA7v7RI/AAAAAAAACTM/UZgHQ79oJckxhnzNRcjQHr5qcia1CZWIwCK4B/s1600/DSC_0459-736046.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6406026340225510674" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQwmN6Fbb_I/WObHBA7v7RI/AAAAAAAACTM/UZgHQ79oJckxhnzNRcjQHr5qcia1CZWIwCK4B/s320/DSC_0459-736046.JPG" /></a></div>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-41875499317840632222017-03-24T12:59:00.001+00:002017-03-24T13:00:29.666+00:00Our air ambulance<span style="font-size: large;">"Oh f***" was the first thing I said when I realised my arm was caught in the linkage of my tractor. When I say caught, I mean crushed, trapped, no way of getting out. My arm was crushed to half the width it should be, the pain was like nothing I'd ever experienced before and I couldn't get out of the situation.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5UfDzqtdvQ/WNUX_coR6II/AAAAAAAACSY/P_r3XCYBCY0mtWbSljrODRx3zh8n6fCmwCLcB/s1600/Air%2Bambulance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5UfDzqtdvQ/WNUX_coR6II/AAAAAAAACSY/P_r3XCYBCY0mtWbSljrODRx3zh8n6fCmwCLcB/s320/Air%2Bambulance.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It was a stupid accident and has taught me a very tough lesson, but the happy outcome for my left arm was due to two things - a mobile phone and an air ambulance. Fortunately for me I had a phone in my pocket, which I could use with my one free hand to call an ambulance and explain just how much trouble I was in. Immediately they recognised I would need to get to a hospital fast, and that meant an air ambulance.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II46tXUYBZQ/WNUTfUubgUI/AAAAAAAACSA/jyuRZXlz_doZ2lmksySe3IOun6y7D8YCQCLcB/s1600/Arm%2Bcut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II46tXUYBZQ/WNUTfUubgUI/AAAAAAAACSA/jyuRZXlz_doZ2lmksySe3IOun6y7D8YCQCLcB/s320/Arm%2Bcut.JPG" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The cut on my arm a few weeks after the operation and staples removed</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">After excellent service from local co-responders and paramdeics, the air ambulance arrived to pick me up direct from St Martin's. On a clear blue summer's day it landed in a small field and off I went to take a ride to Treliske Hospital in Truro. I had an amazing flight, the morphine having kicked in a bit and was able to sit up, chat to the crew and see dolphins from the helicopter! Being dropped off right in front of A&amp;E is something pretty special, though does make you feel a little self conscious!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">To cut a long story short, I was operated on later that day - a crush injury in a limb means that the swelling can cut off all blood supply and nerves, so it needs to be opened up to allow swelling to reduce. The surgeon said afterwards "the operation went well, all the dead tissue came back to life. But another 2 or 3 hours and the damage would have been permanent, and you would have lost the use of your lower arm".</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Wow, that hit hard. I realised just how much both good and bad luck I had had. Good that the air ambulance got me to excellent care very quickly and effectively saved the use of my arm.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQJwMPUqIlw/WNUWs5qxxpI/AAAAAAAACSM/qUZjwKpfpTkRLNQefRyq49ZW8TFmTjtVACLcB/s1600/Air%2Bambulnace%2Breceipt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQJwMPUqIlw/WNUWs5qxxpI/AAAAAAAACSM/qUZjwKpfpTkRLNQefRyq49ZW8TFmTjtVACLcB/s320/Air%2Bambulnace%2Breceipt.JPG" width="183" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Nearly 4 years on my arm is 95% what it used to be. I still have the scars, have gained some wisdom, and will continue fundraising for this charity that provides an essential service that, incredibly, is not government funded! Last year we raised £100 on the veg stall, and this year will be looking to raise more.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Please support Cornwall Air Ambulance if you can:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://cornwallairambulancetrust.org/">https://cornwallairambulancetrust.org/</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-85288467798589471862017-02-15T22:59:00.001+00:002017-02-15T22:59:29.872+00:00Beach farming<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQNp0Uzl2lA/WKTdUjenVcI/AAAAAAAACRw/PK-8Z79-3fMpxDZ7QSi_PrFgp-rFrH1OACK4B/s1600/Beach%2Bfarming-769872.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQNp0Uzl2lA/WKTdUjenVcI/AAAAAAAACRw/PK-8Z79-3fMpxDZ7QSi_PrFgp-rFrH1OACK4B/s320/Beach%2Bfarming-769872.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6387473516708976066" /></a></p>This photo was taken last April by Emma, our apprentice last year. It
<br>shows just how close we are to the beach and why the soil is so sandy!
<br>Lovely spot on a nice day, not so good when a southerly storm unleashes...Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212280346630954295.post-92080960610534423512016-12-29T23:17:00.002+00:002016-12-29T23:17:48.944+00:00December sunshine<span style="font-size: large;">The weather's always like this in December!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A few from today and sunset two days ago... </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMZCBPZobGI/WGWZEUShgmI/AAAAAAAACRI/Q8v7phe3GaEFo3X6cooiz7vIlxjGxmmRgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMZCBPZobGI/WGWZEUShgmI/AAAAAAAACRI/Q8v7phe3GaEFo3X6cooiz7vIlxjGxmmRgCLcB/s320/DSC_0771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-752b6vy7xzY/WGWZESIqJKI/AAAAAAAACRM/Ju9mZsrTz1Us5qS6x2kYo8FHeqxkCO8zgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-752b6vy7xzY/WGWZESIqJKI/AAAAAAAACRM/Ju9mZsrTz1Us5qS6x2kYo8FHeqxkCO8zgCLcB/s320/DSC_0774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2xtccnxVsY/WGWZEjHjurI/AAAAAAAACRQ/vpfLi8-cwZ07ZqpSksnq3WrNk7N9FQsrwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2xtccnxVsY/WGWZEjHjurI/AAAAAAAACRQ/vpfLi8-cwZ07ZqpSksnq3WrNk7N9FQsrwCLcB/s320/DSC_0779.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfm6Sw0M348/WGWZe8_anUI/AAAAAAAACRU/hhVwSUoOGOseywemwoJmL27lW0oH8zjCACLcB/s1600/DSC_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfm6Sw0M348/WGWZe8_anUI/AAAAAAAACRU/hhVwSUoOGOseywemwoJmL27lW0oH8zjCACLcB/s320/DSC_0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jonathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323945950307022151noreply@blogger.com0